ABC Adoptees Born in China

Birthdays, Body painting, and Break by Tara

This is a  solo episode. Sometimes there are things that make you cry at the most unexpected times because life does that. In the therapy session before this recording, I cried a lot when talking about birthdays and how for me personally it feels like a tough reminder versus a moment of celebration. 
I have been working on a few things within therapy including family and current individual reflection and have to say, heartbreak takes time to heal. Some also hit much stronger than others and it takes time but I can say it’s good I’m giving myself space and trying to stay true.
Then to take a turn, I participated in a body painting event in the city. 
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adopteesborninchinapodcast on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!

They make their home and they’re very good city dwellers wherever they go with Julie

Julie  shares about her work and experience being adopted into a family with older parents and connection to relatives who are Chinese American. She lived in a town where the rabbi murdered his wife. It was cool to learn her perspective and experience with experience with not being “type cast” for illustrations. Checkout Julie’s work and also watch Kung Fu Panda (second and third) for a story focused on adoption. See @tea_for_jbass on Instagram.
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adopteesborninchinapodcast on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!

Our depressing May is bouncing back bountifully with Danny

This episode, I talk with Danny about Broadway, work, and depression. Mostly about recent seasonal depression and the timing but a conversation full of laughter nonetheless. It is the day before Danny’s adoption day. Previously spoke on May 23 2021 and April 11 2022. Biggest take away, We are all going to be ok! Joy Ride comes out this week. Check out @theshapeofastarpodcast on instagram and here.
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adopteesborninchinapodcast on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!
 

I will not abandon you, as in self. I will not abandon you and I will not give up on you with Megan

Life is short, running makes it seem longer
It is an episode about #runnerthings!  We talk about experiences with seeing ourselves reflected in environments, existence, and sunrises and sunsets; their power and meaning. Megan goes into detail about her feelings on a culture/ adoption tour and how at the time, she faced many emotions and questioned her place while also filtering around others. Follow @megtakestheworld.
Book: Homecoming Overcoming fear and trauma to reclaiming your whole authentic self Thema Bryant and Podcast: The Mel Robbins
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adopteesborninchinapodcast on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!
 

Confidence = attraction. Remember confidence does not equal cockiness with Kaysie

We were thinking of recording after a year but then two passed and now three. Based on events happening and life, I did get a chance to catch Kaysie to record. Kaysie was the first adoptee to give me a chance and this podcast show. Since 2020, Kaysie reflects on what feels different or the same about her journey. Along the way, Kaysie has found community, friendships, remote work, and process grief too. It was wonderful to catch up and also it is wonderful to see all of us on our journeys. Our feelings and thoughts shift and an archive really helps. Follow @wagoner.kaysie on instagram! 
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adopteesborninchinapodcast on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!

I don’t know why I didn’t just seek solace in people; In the fellow travelers with Evelyn

NOTE: This episode does contain some cursing.
Evelyn was also a paddler during Season 1 Vax Dragon boat. We were able to sit down and talk about travels, identity, personal growth, and more on this episode.
I learned again Albany is the capital of NY state. We both also have dads who can speak mandarin. Anyone else relate to the “Made in China” sticker/ tattoo sentiment?
June 10 is AKA picnic in NYC!
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adopteesborninchinapodcast on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!

I think she knew on some level but actually hearing me say it with Emily

Emily didn’t have much to say when she was really young but here we talk about her experience. Currently lives in Honolulu and works in urban community and forestry, Emily has traveled and lived abroad. She went back to China at age nine for a month with family friends and her mom’s encouragement. Emily hopes to go back someday and explore more. Follow @emiiily.p11.
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adopteesborninchinapodcast on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!

Three years, sometimes you need to take a step back with Tara

The day after doing this recording, I found myself walking in the pouring rain in the wrong direction from my destination. There was a time deadline and I was by myself. I had a full on tantrum on the empty pathway at dawn. The journey ended with me being able to meet the deadline and the sun shining 3.5 hours later. 
The irony, this same day three years ago was the release of the first episode. On this solo episode, I mention how April/ May seems to be a challenging time. 👌
@adopteesborninchinapodcast IG/FB | @ABCpod venmo | adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com
 
 

I don’t think I ever felt that I was like the third choice with Allie

Allie is currently in a Clinical Psychology PhD program. Her research and clinical focus is on Chinese transracial adoptees, intersecting identities, cultural loss, and identity formation around college and emerging adulthood.. Allie shares her story and how she has reclaimed this aspect of her identity among other things. We explore more about the concepts and also think about how we are a huge wave of Chinese adoptees entering 30s and beyond. Also hear about an embezzlement scandal and a bit on the new movie Joy Ride.
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adoptedbabiesfromchinapod on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!

That took over a lot of my identity so it wasn’t until up until the last 5 years or so that I really came out of the fog with Jade

Thanks to a mutual connection, I spoke with Jade who works as a complex trauma therapist. I hear about her recent experience with coming out of the fog. As a child, Jade was a camper at Camp Sunrise Inc., a camp that provides volunteer-driven, cost-free camping experiences for children with cancer and their siblings. Present day, Jade volunteers with camp in addition to her day to day work. Jade shares about her experience as a therapist and also has additional resources on instagram. Follow @jadeshapirolcswc and any adoptee therapist or those specializing in mental health, reach out!  Check out Camp Sunrise inc. @camp_sunrise_md.
If you would like to share your story please email adoptedbabiesfromchina@gmail.com or @adoptedbabiesfromchinapod on Facebook, Instagram and @ABCPod venmo. Thank you for listening!